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DIY: Do It Yourself Post here to share or improve your wrench turning skills! All BMW E46 DIY tips, tales, and projects discussed inside. Learn to work on your car and know the right BMW parts you will need!

I have read every post out there on changing the thermostat and the waterpump. All in all it does not sound too bad and is def. not worth $850 at the dealer...

Here is where I need help... I have a MY00 323Ci that is Steptronic. Several of the posts I read hinted to a difference with the step vs. manual when doing this. Has anyone with a steptronic tranny done this? If yes, please share any additional insight (pics if possible too).

Well, I tackled the project today and unfortunately the water pump pullley proved to be tougher than I.

I worked up a tool like Mark's, only I used aluminium. Bad part is that the amount of material left between the bolt-head holes and the arch is so small that there is not enough strength to withstand the torque needed to loosen the fan nut. In short, my home-made piece snapped in two once I really started putting the pressure on.

Lesson learned - if you are going to attempt to forge your own tool then use steel. I didn't have anything steel to work with nor do I have anything to drill/cut steel so it is not that big of a deal either way for me.

I ended up ordering the tool from BMW. If you go this route, check all of the dealers in your area. I called two dealers around me and one quoted me $59 and the other quoted me $38. Go figure...

Needless to say I ordered the $38 tool plus another 10% off for CCA discount so that is not too bad. All in all, I will have spent around $270 (pump, thermostat, two belts, coolant, BMW special tool) so that is still a heck of alot less expensive than the $880 price the dealer quoted to do the job.

Damn, 38 bucks is pretty fair - as I'm sure you are aware after making your tool, it takes a while to make and a lot of test fits. In my case however, canadian prices are generally higher for that sort of item plus the nearest dealership is an hour away.

Anyway good luck when you get at it - with that tool things will go much easier! (Let us know how it goes.)